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Late-night work pays off for 'baseball rat' Turang in Game 1 star turn

Brice Turang’s late-night dedication paid off in a dramatic fashion during Game 1 of the NLCS, as the Brewers’ second baseman delivered a clutch performance to turn the tide against the Dodgers. After struggling in his first at-bat—fouling a pitch off his kneecap—Turang returned in the fourth inning with a refined approach, focusing on driving the ball up the middle.

His effort resulted in a game-tying two-run homer off Tarik Skubal, a shot that landed deep in left-center field and sparked Milwaukee’s 2-1 victory. The homer, his second career postseason blast, capped a standout night where Turang also played a key role in three double plays, stifling the Dodgers’ potent lineup early in the game.

His defensive work included a sharp backhand play on Mookie Betts’ grounder and a crucial throw in a double-play turn to end the first inning, showcasing his all-around impact beyond the bat.

Turang’s success stemmed from focused preparation, including extra batting practice late Friday night with hitting coach Daniel Vogelbach. The session aimed to refine his swing, emphasizing a cleaner bat path and staying inside the ball—a lesson that clearly paid off against Skubal’s sinker.

Manager Pat Murphy noted Turang’s meticulous approach, describing how the player had worked to eliminate unnecessary movements in his swing. The Brewers’ second baseman, known for his perfectionism, had spent the offseason refining his mechanics, and his disciplined execution under pressure proved decisive in a high-stakes matchup against Los Angeles.

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